Mitotane (By mouth)

Mitotane (MYE-toe-tane)

Treats cancer of the adrenal glands (adrenal cortical carcinoma).

Brand Name(s):

Lysodren

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mitotane.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If contact with broken or crushed tablets occurs, wash your hands immediately.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Your doctor may want you to carry an identification card or wear a bracelet stating that you are taking this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you get a serious injury, infection, or illness of any kind. This medicine may weaken your body's defenses against infection or inflammation.

Adrenal insufficiency may develop in patients using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have more than one of the following symptoms: darkening of the skin; diarrhea; dizziness; fainting; loss of appetite; mental depression; nausea; skin rash; unusual tiredness or weakness; or vomiting.

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

This medicine may cause some people to have changes in their behavior or memory, or to become depressed. This usually occurs in people who take this medicine for more than 2 years. If you or your caregiver notice any changes in behavior while you are taking this medicine, talk to your doctor right away.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 3/28/2016

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